State Bar Names L.A. Lawyer as Chief Executive Officer

Steven Nissen, a Los Angeles attorney who heads the nation’s largest free legal-assistance operation, was named the State Bar’s next chief executive officer, the agency announced Tuesday.

Nissen, who earned his law degree at UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall, was a partner at one of Los Angeles’ top law firms when, at 33, he quit to take over Public Counsel.

At the time Public Counsel was a faltering operation. Nissen vastly increased its yearly budget, expanded the staff from three to 40 people and moved to renovated offices.

During his 13-year tenure, Public Counsel staff and volunteers have contributed more than $200 million worth of legal services to 80,000-plus children, low-income adults and nonprofit organizations in the county, State Bar officials said.

Nissen, 46, will begin his State Bar duties on Nov. 1.

State Bar President Thomas Stolpman said Nissen inherits an organization with more than 155,000 attorney members and 750 employees.

“Steve has a track record in government, private practice, litigation, academia and organizational leadership,” Stolpman said. “He represents and understands what different kinds of attorneys need, want and expect from our profession.”

The State Bar Board of Governors chose Nissen after a six-month, nationwide search.

The State Bar’s goals are to provide services to attorneys, educate the public about the legal system and administration of justice, and protect the public from lawyer misconduct.